Bill Cosby to hold Town Hall Meeting

Bill Cosby, who has been a popular icon for an audience of millions across the nation, will be in Springfield on December 8 in the auditorium of Chestnut Accelerated Middle School for a community conversation, courtesy of the Spanish American Union. The event is for ticket-holders only and limited seats are available; admission is free.

Cosby was the honorary chairperson for the Spanish American Union's 40th anniversary Gala held recently at Chez Josef in Agawam.

"After our anniversary and all the wonderful publicity, he kept in touch with the Spanish American Union. He invited me to several functions, he wanted to help out the community," said SAU Executive Director Robert L. Bailey.

According to Bailey, he and the comedy star developed a relationship through the numerous functions that he attended courtesy of Cosby. He said that one of the functions he was invited to was held in Hartford, which featured the "mayor of the city and superintendent of public schools for the purpose of having a conversation with members of the community."

Bailey said the event at Chestnut will be a similar event to the one that was held in Hartford. Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and the Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools Alan J. Ingram are expected to attend the event.

"The focus is on our youth being involved in education. The youth are the foundation and education is important to our youth and everyone involved. The parents are a part of our youth and it is important for parents to be engaged," said Bailey.

"He is able to say things that you and I aren't able to say," said Bailey referring to Cosby sharing his experiences. He said that Cosby was a "great advocate for the youth,"
Cosby is known for holding town hall meetings in various communities for the purpose of supporting the success of our young people.

Cosby, who received his doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts in 1976, has been an influential advocate on many occasions for communities throughout Western Massachusetts and across the country.